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Classical Roman Clocks

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.

While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.

Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.

The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.

Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Classical Roman
Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set
By Hermle
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set The Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set
Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set

Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set

Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very nice Jaeger 8 days table clock. This is a Classic car clock, circa 1920s. It is mounted over a Classic Alfa Romeo small radiator. Fantastic piece of A...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia
Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia

Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra with classical busts to t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Located in Lisse, NL
Tasteful and unique wooden wall clock with sculptural front. The magnificent front of this midcentury era wall clock is entirely hand carved out of solid wood. It is difficult to se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers

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Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock with Moon Phase, Fontainebleu, 1990s
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Classical Roman clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with brass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Hermle, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,502 and tops out at $2,662 while the average work can sell for $1,800.

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